BLOOD TESTS EXPLAINED H - L

HHDL (High Density Lipoprotein/Cholesterol)Called ‘good cholesterol’ because it protects against heart disease by helping to remove excess cholesterol deposited in the arteries. High levels seem to be associated with low incidence of coronary heart disease.Heart PackageThis is a package of tests designed specifically for heart disease. Designed by YFH to save our clients money. Includes the homocysteine, VAP, and hs-CRP (C-Reactive Protein). For anyone who is at high risk for heart disease, people who have already been diagnosed with heart disease, or for anyone who would like a complete set of heart disease tests for prevention, benchmarking, and peace of mind. This package is available in both the HealthPrint and Test Only divisions of our company and is often added to the Basic HealthPrint or Test Only Wellness panels.Hematocrit (HCT)Hematocrit measures the portion of blood made up of red blood cells. Specifically, it measures the volume of red cells that transport oxygen through the blood stream to all cells of the body. This is very important; oxygen is needed for healthy organs.Hemoglobin (HCB)A protein, which enables the RBCs to distribute oxygen throughout the body. The amount of oxygen in the body tissues depends on how much hemoglobin is in the red blood cells. Without enough hemoglobin, the tissues lack oxygen, and the heart and lungs must work harder to try to compensate. Hemoglobin gives the red color to blood.HomocysteineHomocysteine, an amino acid, plays a critical role in destroying the lining of artery walls, accelerating the build-up of scar tissue, and promoting the formation of blood clots. Elevated levels are strong indicators for heart disease. High homocysteine levels indicate that the bad cholesterol (even if at very low levels - naturally or due to medications) is still able to stick to the blood vessel walls and cause blockages. Recommended yearly testing even if you have excellent cholesterol ratios for the good (HDL) to bad (LDL) scores because you can still develop cardiovascular disease with healthy cholesterol scores. This test is rarely ordered or covered under insurance plans.HypochromasiaAn abnormality that can occur in red blood cells. Refers to a pale pink color, which is due to a lack of hemoglobin in the red blood cells (indicates the need for iron). This abnormality is indicated as slight, moderate, or heavy when performed manually. In an automated version only heavy abnormalities are usually noted.IInsulin, FastingThis test is used to help evaluate insulin production, diagnose an insulinoma (insulin-producing pancreatic islet cell tumor), and to help determine the cause of hypoglycemia.IronThe body must have iron to make hemoglobin and to help transfer oxygen to the muscles. If the human body is low in iron, all body cells, particularly muscles in adults, do not function properly. Conversely, too much iron can cause injury to the heart, pancreas, joints, and genital parts in both males and females.LLDH (Liver)An enzyme found mostly in the heart, muscles, liver, kidney, brain, and red blood cells. When an organ of the body is damaged, LDH is released in greater quantity into the blood stream.LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein/Cholesterol)LDLs contain the greatest percentage of cholesterol and are responsible for depositing cholesterol on the artery walls when found in the blood in high levels. For that reason, they are often referred to as "bad cholesterol.”Lymphocytes (White Blood Cell Details)The second most common type of white blood cell. Lymphocytes are manufactured in the spleen, lymph nodes, and intestinal-related lymph tissue. Lymphocytes produce neutralizing antibodies against viral disease. This test will be quantified as an actual percentage of the total white blood cells present in your blood. This is the case for both manual and automated analysis.~
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